But the Crumlin fighter did not stay gone for long as he fired off controversial tweets aimed at bitter rival and UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov’s wife.

And fans were convinced he will be back after he Tweeted: ‘I want to move forward, with my fans of all faiths and all backgrounds. All faiths challenge us to be our best selves. It is one world and one for all.

Don’t be scared of the rematch you little scurrying rat. You will do what you are told like you always do.

McGregor and Nurmagomedov have a much storied past – the pair are both still suspended from competing following the notorious melee in the aftermath of the Russian’s win over the Irishman at UFC 229 last October.

I want to move forward, with my fans of all faiths and all backgrounds. All faiths challenge us to be our best selves. It is one world and one for all ❤️ Now see you in the Octagon.

Nurmagomedov, a practising Muslim who has made inflammatory accusations of his own about McGregor in recent days, responded: ‘If you think that insulting entire religion you be safe, you are mistaken.’